National Safety Council calls for repeal of amendment to California texting law

The National Safety Council Tuesday called for the repeal of a new law in California that allows drivers to use a voice-operated system to write, send and read text messages and emails. The new amendment to the state’s texting ban, which was signed into law by Governor Brown in July, takes effect on Jan. 1, 2013....

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Gridley Herald - Gridley, CA

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Posted Dec. 14, 2012 at 10:54 AM
Updated Dec 14, 2012 at 10:55 AM

Posted Dec. 14, 2012 at 10:54 AM
Updated Dec 14, 2012 at 10:55 AM

The National Safety Council Tuesday called for the repeal of a new law in California that allows drivers to use a voice-operated system to write, send and read text messages and emails. The new amendment to the state’s texting ban, which was signed into law by Governor Brown in July, takes effect on Jan. 1, 2013.

“Safe driving requires a driver’s full attention - hands on the wheel, eyes on the road and mind on the task of driving,” said Janet Froetscher, president and CEO of the National Safety Council. “There is no research or evidence that indicates voice-activated technologies eliminate or even reduce the distraction to the drivers’ mind. Unless such research becomes available, texting laws, such as California’s, should not be weakened by legalizing the use of voice-to-text technologies.”

NSC called for a total ban on all cell phone use, including hands-free devices, by motorists in 2009 after reviewing an overwhelming amount of research detailing the danger of this behavior. A broad cross section of NSC members, representing American industry, has adopted policies that prohibit all employee cell phone use while operating a vehicle. Learn more at distracteddriving.nsc.org.

About the National Safety Council

Founded in 1913 and chartered by Congress, the National Safety Council (nsc.org) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to save lives by preventing injuries and deaths at work, in homes and communities, and on the road through leadership, research, education and advocacy. NSC advances this mission by partnering with businesses, government agencies, elected officials and the public in areas where we can make the most impact – distracted driving, teen driving, workplace safety and safety beyond the workplace.